If Colorado wants sustained, inclusive economic growth, it must treat youth employment not as an afterthought but as a cornerstone of its workforce strategy. As a Denver native, Daniels Scholar, and student of applied mathematics at Harvard, I find myself reflecting deeply on the hidden costs beneath these headline numbers. In June 2025, Colorado’s labor market reversed course, losing 1,500 total non-farm jobs. Research from the Common Sense Institute, where I’ve contributed as a research fellow, shows that this headline figure masks deeper trends affecting young workers. Although overall private-sector employment fell by 1,600 jobs in June, the losses were concentrated in critical entry-level industries. Trade, transportation, and utilities shed 2,500 jobs, and construction lost another 1,300, which are sectors where young Coloradans often begin their careers (CSI).

For many of the young workers I know, these aren’t abstract statistics, they’re missed opportunities to build a future.

Despite the headlines proclaiming growth, many young people remain disconnected from Colorado’s labor market.

As of June 2025, nearly 40% of Coloradans aged 16–24 were neither working nor actively seeking employment (CDLE). This trend is not unique to Colorado; nationwide, the youth labor force participation rate was 54.9%, highlighting a broader challenge in engaging young workers during a period of economic expansion (BLS).

The broader labor market adds complexity to this issue. Colorado’s unemployment rate has held at 4.7%, which is 0.6 points above the national average during June. In fact, June’s data show that the private sector contracted by 1,600 jobs, and the steepest declines came in industries that traditionally employ young workers. Construction cut 1,300 jobs, and trade, transportation, and utilities declined by 2,500 (CSI). These sectors provided my friends with early jobs, valuable experience, and a steady income. Today, however, these opportunities seem to be shrinking.

Colorado must prioritize youth employment because the state’s economic future depends on it. As an economics student and someone personally connected to the community most impacted, I believe the stakes go beyond economic data.

According to the Common Sense Institute, by 2031, 73% of jobs in Colorado will require post-secondary credentials, yet only 66.5% of native-born adults currently have them. Credentialing 79,000 more workers would generate $2 billion more in annual earnings, create 25,000 jobs, and expand Colorado’s GDP by nearly $3 billion (CSI).

This challenge is not just about workforce statistics; it is about the future of Colorado’s young people. The social consequences of youth disconnection are equally pressing. Disconnected youth face higher risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, and justice system involvement (County Health). I saw talented peers drift away from promising futures without structured opportunities and support. Nationally, youth disconnection costs the economy $93 billion a year in lost productivity and public spending (AYPF). In Colorado, the impact is tangible. Employers on the Western Slope, for instance, struggle to fill vacancies for skilled workers, hindering local economic growth (Summit Daily). Solving this problem requires more than job creation; it requires rethinking how we prepare young people for the workforce.

A statewide surge in job openings, up 12.8% in Q1 2025 according to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation, further underscores the painful mismatch between available jobs and the skills young applicants currently possess.

Investing in reconnecting youth through education and training isn’t merely compassionate; it’s economically imperative. My experiences as both a mentor and a student reinforce the value of Career and Technical Education (CTE), apprenticeships, and dual enrollment, which are alternatives to traditional four-year degrees that offer students hands-on skills, real-world experience, and faster pathways to meaningful careers. As a Challenge Foundation Scholar, I’ve seen the power of education, but many of my peers still lack clear paths to stable work.

Extending concurrent enrollment, which enables high school students to obtain industry-recognized credentials, can significantly reduce the gap between Colorado’s education system and employer demands, which are still not fully aligned (CSI).

Colorado has made progress by launching 100 new apprenticeship programs, especially in technology and healthcare. To realize the full benefits, we must expand these programs through statewide partnerships like CareerWise, workforce training grants, and targeted business incentives. I’ve personally experienced the life-changing effects of career-driven education, mentoring, and financial aid. Tailored to local needs, these opportunities can uplift entire communities.

If our young people continue to be disengaged and unprepared, Colorado’s economic progress will be incomplete. Being a Denver native who has had the good fortune to participate in influential mentoring and scholarship programs, I am aware of the significant impact that these investments can have. These alternative pathways are already making a difference, and they deserve greater support. What’s missing is full commitment to expanding these programs statewide.

Colorado is at a critical juncture. The state must invest in young people rather than continue on a path that leaves many behind. Each statistic represents a young person with goals like mine. Colorado has the tools to ensure they access opportunity. The time has come to take action and help the upcoming generation of Coloradans so they can build a prosperous future for themselves and Colorado.

Alex Miramontes Rodriguez is a rising sophomore at Harvard University and a Daniels Scholar Junior Fellow with the Common Sense Institute.